Hike to Casa de Loivos

We have left the OMG spa facility and are now in a very nice hotel in Amarante. Breakfast was ….normal. I had muesli with fruit and yogurt plus a piece of toast. 

Eggs and bacon also available 

Off on our bus to hike. A relaxing hike along a flat old railroad trail, except for beginning and end, straight up!

Incredible terraced mountain sides with grape vines 

Wonderful how the Portuguese can use every space they can find. Along the way so many broom plant ready to pop their seeds!!! 

and olive trees too 

At the end up a steep hill to find the church

And all of us.

Now the final fancy lunch!! 

Appetizer 

Mini ham and cheese, chicken sausage rolls and salted honey almonds.

Salad

Roasted potatoes, broccoli and veal

My plate 

and dessert 

Ahhh

It was a beautiful place with stunning service. Included was wine tasting- white, red and port. 

See what I drank 

Freshly squeezed. Outstanding.

Next the chance to see the Mateus museum. Unbelievable decadence from a wine family. So beautiful.

We walked through a number of historical rooms. The wood work on the ceilings was magnificent 

The library 

They had their own chapel 

Once we finished the tour, a glass of refreshing Mateus was offered. 

Beautiful colour

Back on the bus, some falling asleep. 

Time for us to walk about and find some dinner on our own. That’s exactly what Val and I did. Walked to a “Costco” like store, bought some food items. 

We had a perfect meal on our own table by the river! Perfect! 

One last hike tomorrow and to Porto on Sunday